Batelco Bahrain Enables Live Transmission of Eye Surgery

Batelco's integrated communications infrastructure is providing the crucial link between Salmaniya Medical Centre (SMC) and the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) to enable the presentation of two live surgeries, at the 10th International Congress of the Middle East African Council of Ophthalmology (MEACO). The crucial fibre link is being provided in tandem with a range of communications services as part of a sponsorship package delivered by Batelco to support the major event.

Around 3000 participants and 300 speakers are expected to attend the Congress which is being held under the patronage of HH the Prime Minister, Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

Batelco, as the platinum sponsor of the MEACO event, has also donated BD20,000 in cash. Batelco Corporate Affairs General Manager Nadia Hussain presented the cheque to Dr. Ebtisam Al Alawi, Chairman, Local Organizing Committee at a recent meeting at the Exhibition Centre.

In addition to the cash donation and the provision of the fibre link, Batelco has also provided organisers with ADSL lines and 12 PC's for the free use of internet by the participants. The Kingdom's leading communications provider has also provided PC's and internet connections to facilitate registration, 6 telephone lines to facilitate usage of credit cards, and bulk SMS facility to send SMS’s to participants with news updates relevant to the congress.

"We are very pleased to add our weight to this major international congress which will showcase the latest developments in ophthalmology from all over the world," said Mrs. Hussain.

"Furthermore, we are very proud that our investment in Bahrain's world-class communications infrastructure will facilitate the live presentation of two eye surgeries taking place at Salmaniya hospital, to the participants at the event."

Batelco annually supports a wide range of health initiatives as part of its commitment to better the lives of residents of Bahrain.

March 29,2009